5 Running Tips During the Rainy Seasons

Posted On October 29, 2024

It’s the rainy season once again and runners are finding it hard to run outside. Not running consistently can mess up your training plan and derail your target time for a race you are preparing for. 

Fortunately, you can do a few things to run safely this rainy season and still get your target weekly mileage. 

1. Predict the Weather

Thanks to today’s technology it’s much easier to predict when it will likely rain. Use apps or websites like Accuweather to check if it will rain during your planned run. I usually look into things such as humidity and precipitation. Some apps can even tell you the weather per hour, albeit it’s not always accurate since the prediction is within a large area. 

You shouldn’t run outside in severe weather especially when there is a storm warning signal in your area. Same thing when your place is experiencing severe thunderstorms.

2. Dress for the Rain

Wear a lightweight and water-resistant jacket and cap which will keep you from getting soaked. Doing so lessens discomfort and prevents your body temperature to drop. Avoid wearing cotton as it easily absorbs water and can feel heavy during your run. 

Consider not wearing a raincoat, especially during long runs. Raincoats often trap the heat and sweat your body produces during the run. Eventually, you’ll feel irritated and uncomfortable after a few minutes with this getup. 

3. Wear a Trail Running Vest

Wearing a trail running vest is great during unpredictable weather. When I am not sure if it will rain during my long runs, I usually pack a folding umbrella in my trail running vest along with other essentials like hydration. And when it rains, you can just pop out your umbrella and find the nearest place where you can seek shelter, like a convenience or sari-sari store, until the rain stops.

The great thing about trail running vests is that they stay in place while you run, unlike your regular backpacks. They are also lightweight and don’t impede your running form as you swing your arms. 

4. Have a Sacrificial Shoe

The worst thing about running in the rain is getting home with wet shoes. Letting them air dry also takes a few days, which means you won’t be able to use your favorite daily trainer or fast shoe. This scenario can mess up your training plan, especially if you don’t have a spare. 

For that reason, I often wear a sacrificial shoe which is just an old shoe that I haven’t been using in my regular shoe rotation.

5. Run on the Treadmill

If you have a gym membership, you might want to use it to its fullest by running on a treadmill during the rainy season. It’s even better if you already have a treadmill at home.

Running on a treadmill might feel a bit different than running on the road, but it will keep you away from getting wet. So, be sure to regulate its speed to what you are accustomed to when running on the road.

Ready to Run in the Rain?

Running in the rain offers a different experience compared to running in more temperate weather. Some runners even find it therapeutic. But, before you run in the rain make sure you are dressed properly and have a plan should the weather get worse.